Hyundai RN30 concept revealed

This is the Hyundai RN30 concept – a preview of a new performance-focused i30N Plus model that'll rival the likes of the Ford Focus RS.

Revealed at the Paris motor show alongside the 2017 i20 WRC, the hot hatch concept is a collaboration between Hyundai Motorsport, Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center and the manufacturer’s Performance Development & High Performance Division. The result is an aggressive, aerodynamic design that promises a sporty drive at a level not yet seen from Hyundai.

The RN30, when it emerges in production form, will bear the name i30N Plus, and sit above the regular i30N. Hyundai has been promoting its N performance brand for a couple of years now, through various concept cars, and the RN30 gives us a best look yet at what will be available next year.

Power comes from Hyundai’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, developed specifically for N production models by enlarging the turbo and using forged rather than cast components. It develops 380hp and 451Nm, sent to an all-wheel-drive system through a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Performance technology includes rev matching to smoothen spirited driving, and an Electronic Variable Exhaust system that gets louder under hard acceleration. An electronic limited-slip differential is designed to send sufficient torque to each wheel when cornering.

The RN30 takes the silhouette of the i30, but has been dramatically lowered and widened for extra stability when cornering. It sits 84mm lower than the standard i30 and is 30mm wider. The wheel arches, which Hyundai calls floating fenders, the front splitter and the side skirts are clearly motorsport-influenced and work to improve aerodynamic downforce. A rear spoiler is designed to keep the rear axle planted at speeds and a large rear diffuser sits above centrally mounted twin exhaust pipes finished in white ceramic. A roof-mounted fin runs down the centre of the car to the spoiler, and the bonnet has a vent fitted for added visual drama. The car rides on 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels and sports Hyundai’s latest 'cascading' grille and some distinctive headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The interior is stripped out, with components placed as low as possible in the car to keep the centre of gravity down. A bucket seat, mounted low, sits within an integrated roll cage, designed both for safety and to increase the RN30’s body strength.

Strip away some of the concept car flashiness and this is essentially what the i30N Plus will look like when it’s revealed next year. It'll come as a more focused version of the i30N.

The i30N will go up against the Ford Focus ST. Developed in South Korea and tested at the Nürburgring in Germany, the hot model will be Hyundai’s first proper foray into performance hot hatches.